Volunteer to speak to ONS or APHON chapters, other nursing organizations, or potential test candidates about the value of certification.

Participate in ONS or APHON chapter activities to meet other certified nurses in your community. Attend the ONCC Recognition Breakfast for Oncology Certified Nurses to make contacts at the national level.

Pursue leadership positions in professional organizations. Keep your employer informed about your activities and how the skills you develop will benefit your institution.

Enhance Your Career

Give your employer a copy of your certificate for your personnel file and try to negotiate for support of certification in your benefit package.

Give your employer’s public relations department the press release announcing your certification. Ask them to send it to local newspapers or send it yourself.

Tell colleagues in your local Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) or Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON) chapter that you’ve become certified. Many chapters recognize certified nurses in newsletters, on websites, and at chapter meetings.

Review your personnel file periodically to ensure copies of educational materials you’ve developed are included in your file.

Document instances when certification has had an impact on the care you’ve provided, a decision you’ve made, or leadership you’ve demonstrated and share it with your employer.

Create a portfolio of your accomplishments to share with your employer or potential employer.